Washington, DC

The tow path of the C&O Canal in Georgetown, Rock Creek Park and the Mall are all ideal for walking, running and biking. You can rent bikes at Thompson Boat Center, Another great place for biking is the National Arboretum where there are 9 1/2 miles of roadways through the beautiful gardens.

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden pool becomes an ice skating rink in winter. You can rent skates, there’s a little café for hot chocolate and you can enjoy the sculptures as you skate. Washington Harbour Ice Rink is another great place to skate. In Georgetown on the water surrounded by bars and cafes, some outside even in the winter.

Baseball is back in the Nation’s Capital with the Nationals and the locals are thrilled. The Redskins are trying to reclaim their glory years, The Wizards rule the hard court and the Capitols the ice. Schedules and tickets available at Ticketmaster.

Old Town Trolley Tours lets you see the sights and get on and off when you want. $24. DC Ducks Tour may be the most fun with a city tour on land and in the Potomac. $25. Bike and Roll is a great way to see Washington and get some exercise. $40. Private, customized tours by licensed guides are available from Guide Services of Washington for $155 plus transportation. The newest tour innovation is to see the City on a Segway with City Segway Tours. See Mt. Vernon by taking the Potomac Riverboat’s Miss Christin from Old Town Alexandria for the 50 minute trip to the first president’s home.

The National Theatre, books Broadway touring productions and new plays on their way to Broadway. The Shakespeare Theatre puts on 4 plays a year, three by Shakespeare, and the Arena Stage is Washington’s fine regional theater. Finally the Warner Theatre, hosts Broadway shows, comedians and concerts. Signature Theater is a non-profit professional theater company producing contemporary musicals and plays and reinventing classic musicals.

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia and New Hampshire NW, has 5 different stages ranging in size from the 2,500 seat Concert Hall to the smaller Terrace Theater and Theater Lab venues. The Center presents everything from ballet to symphonies to drama to comedy to opera.

Galerie Lareuse, has works of Picasso, Matisse, Calder and more. P&C Art, in Georgetown, large selection of original paintings and limited edition prints. Some great stuff on Georgetown and Washington. Georgetown Gallery of Art has been open since 1957 and specializes in 20th century masterworks.  Old Print Gallery, original antique prints of American towns and cities. Touchstone Gallery offers contemporary art from regional artists. Zenith Gallery  was founded by Margery E. Goldberg to serve as an affordable haven for artists to work, live and share their art.

Good Wood, Affordable and pretty good antiques. Antiques of Georgetown, La Belle Epoque, Living Rooms, in Georgetown and the Georgetown Flea Market on Sundays. Some amazing finds here.

The Fashion Center at Pentagon City, about 10 minutes from downtown by Metro is the typical Mall with 170 stores and all the usual suspects. The Shops at National Place, is interesting for both its design and the 40 some boutiques and shops. The Shops at Georgetown Park, right on the Canal, and Georgetown in general are the best places for shopping in Washington in the stores you would find in most malls around the country.

Some other favorites; Periwinkle Gifts, Gourmet items, soaps, lots of unusual items; Betsy Fisher, 1224 Connecticut Ave. NW. Great stuff for the office or weekend; My Place in Tuscany, in Alexandria. Beautiful artwork. Worth the trip to Alexandria. Salt and Sundry is a fantastic shop for hostess gifts.

March–National Cherry Blossom Festival 
April–White House Spring Garden Tour
June– Wolf Trap Jazz and Blues Festival 
July– 4th of July Celebration- Smithsonian Folklife Festival 
October–Taste of DC Festival 
December-National Christmas Tree Lighting, Old Town Christmas Candlelight Tours, Washington National Cathedral Christmas Services.

Breakfast/Brunch

All of our Featured properties offer breakfast. Should you venture out, the utterly charming Tabard Inn, is a favorite for breakfast, but especially for Sunday brunch. You can eat in one of several very cozy rooms or outside on a brick walled terrace. They make their own donuts, have a good selection of wines by the glass, make a killer Bloody Mary and have some very interesting menu items. I also like the fact that the menu is a la carte, so you don’t get charged some exorbitant brunch fee. The Short Rib Hash at the Blue Duck Tavern may be the best brunch dish in DC. Wonderful courtyard and patio at Iron Gate which specializes in Italian and Greek small plates.

Lunch

Clyde’s , Georgetown, is the best saloon in Washington renowned for their burgers, chili and other pub food. In the warmer months, head over to Sequoia , and enjoy an extensive lunch menu on the patio overlooking the Potomac River. Bistro Bis, at the Hotel George is a stylish bi-level bistro with oak walls and a stainless steel bar. The Beef Bourguignon made with beef short ribs is quite amazing and worth the trip alone. La Chaumiere in Georgetown is a delightful French country restaurant with beamed ceilings, stucco walls, a large stone fireplace and excellent food. Fridays only for lunch. Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons in Georgetown has great canal views and an amazing menu.

Burger

For a great setting and delicious burgers, Clyde’s in Georgetown is a favorite. The Oak Fired Steak Burger at Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons Hotel is another gem and the Proper Burger at Duke’s Grocery on Dupont Circle was the #5 burger nationally in  a recent survey.

Oyster Bar

Old Ebbit Grill is a favorite for many reason, not the least of which is their oyster bar. 3-6pm oysters 50% off. Hosts the International Wines for Oysters Competition, the Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving. Rappahannock Oyster Bar has their own Chesapeake oyster farms so you know the oysters are fresh. Waterfront location. The Salt Line in the Navy yard area, sits on the water and offers a large selection of oyster choices and some wonderful ales to pair with them.

Wine Bar

Maxwell Park with locations in Shaw and Navy Yard has a great vibe and fun bartenders. Shaw opens at 5pm every day, navy Yard at 4pm. 50 wines by the glass. Best Bar in America from Esquire, Best Wine Bar from Washingtonian, Washington City Paper and Express, and a 2019 RAMMY award for Wine Program of the Year.

Eno Wine Bar in Georgetown gives a little education with each glass. Iron Gate focuses on Greek and Italian wines and has an excellent small plate menu.

Martini/Cocktails

From acclaimed Chef José Andrés comes Barmini an over the top, creative cocktail lounge. Old Ebbitt Grill down the street from the White House was a “Best Martini” winner. Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons has a sexy lounge and creative cocktails. The Gibson is a modern speakeasy (the entry on 14th Street isn’t even marked) with trailblazing cocktails. The Round Robin Bar at The Willard Hotel is an institution in DC. You are bound to see a Senator with his “niece”. Off the Record at the Hay Adams, was chosen by Forbes.com as one of the “World’s Best Hotel Bars.” Café Milano, in Georgetown, is where the beautiful people of Washington sip their cocktails before dinner. Columbia Room has won all kinds of awards for “Best Bar” and it is truly a unique experience. The Tasting Room offers a 4 course cocktail tasting paired with small plates that requires a reservation and the Spirits Library  and Punch Garden menu features an amazing array of cocktails along with snacks and small plates. Very cool space down an alley.

Rooftop/View cocktails:  POV is a rooftop bar in the W Hotel that looks out on the White House and Treasury. Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel has an outside rooftop bar and skating rink. Fantastic views. Whiskey Charlie, Southwest Waterfront District, atop the Canopy Hotel.  Premium cocktails and “creative finger food.”

Steakhouse

All the usual suspects in terms of national chains, but I like the Prime Rib, steaks are wonderful, atmosphere is romantic and clubby, the prime rib is off the charts and they have piano and bass music every night. I would go to BLT Steak just for the popovers, but their steaks and Dover Sole are amazing too.

While Away a Rainy Day

Martin’s Tavern on Wisconsin Ave in Georgetown has been around for 75 years. Legend has it JFK proposed to Jackie here.

After Dinner Fun

Gross National Product is a hilarious sketch humor troupe who skewer Washington’s politicians and play at the State Theater on Saturdays. More comedy at DC Improv and The Big Hunt a dive bar anbd underground comedy venue.  Mr. Smith’s Piano Bar in Georgetown is a great place for sing-along fun. Blues Alley in Georgetown is the place for big-time jazz. Check out the Eighteenth Street Lounge for DJ’s and live music. The 9:30 Club is a nightclub and live music venue, named one of the 10 best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone. The Anthem is a sister venue, also showcasing live acts.

Get Pampered

The Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown and the Mandarin Oriental on Maryland Avenue are the height of luxury and tranquility. They are expensive, but well worth it. Also quite good and less expensive is Elizabeth Arden Red Door, 5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW.